Overview of Khamenei’s Leadership
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reshaped Iran over more than three decades as its supreme leader. He transformed the nation into a regional force, often confronting Israel and the United States. His funeral commenced on Saturday, months after his death in the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran.
Khamenei assumed leadership following Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s passing in 1989. Khomeini had earlier spearheaded the 1979 revolution that ousted the shah and established clerical rule. Khamenei, perceived as less charismatic, undertook the task of building a stable state from the revolutionary fervor.
“Khamenei played an influential role by supporting armed groups and advancing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.”
Regional Influence Through Military and Proxies
After the 1980s conflict with Iraq, Khamenei enhanced the role of the Revolutionary Guard, making it central to his power. This entity evolved into a dominant military and economic force within Iran.
Khamenei shifted focus from conventional warfare to supporting proxies, contributing to the “Axis of Resistance.” This alignment involved backing groups like Hezbollah, which expelled Israeli forces from Lebanon in 2000. Iran also extended support to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, Hamas, and militias opposing U.S. presence in Iraq.
The regional dynamics changed following clashes initiated by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The confrontations weakened both Hamas and Hezbollah.
The Push for Nuclear Capability
Khamenei consistently defended Iran’s nuclear program, disregarding international sanctions. He issued a fatwa declaring nuclear weapons un-Islamic, maintaining Iran’s claim to peaceful nuclear energy.
In 2015, Iran accepted major limitations on its uranium stockpile and enrichment in return for sanctions relief. With the U.S. withdrawal from this accord in 2018, Iran’s enrichment activities continued, raising concerns internationally.
Both U.S.-Israeli strikes in 2025 and ongoing conflicts have targeted Iran’s nuclear capacities.
Challenges from Protests and Repression
Iran faced significant protests under Khamenei’s rule due to political oppression and economic woes. The opposition cried foul over the 2009 electoral outcome, prompting deadly crackdowns. Economic grievances led to protests in 2017 and escalated in 2019, with hundreds killed.
Protests reignited in 2022 over Mahsa Amini’s death. Security forces responded forcefully, resulting in over 500 fatalities. A new wave of protests erupted in late 2025, marking the most extensive movement against the regime, with reports of 7,000 deaths.
Future Prospects
Khamenei’s demise introduces uncertainties for Iran. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, was named successor but hasn’t been publicly seen, allegedly injured during the strikes. Former President Trump urged Iranians to reclaim their government amidst the war, but resistance hasn’t materialized.
The direction Iran takes post-funeral largely depends on entities like the Revolutionary Guard, known for its rigorous preservation of power.